Cookbook Review: Classic German Baking - by Luisa Weiss

Since my last trip to see my family, I have been extremely homesick. You'd think that seeing my home, friends, and family would make me feel better - and it does! - but it also pulls at my heart all over again, when we have to say goodbye. And so I try to find a little piece of comfort where ever I go...just enough to ease my yearning for home!

I recently came across a Facebook post from a lovely fellow Berliner, who announced that she will be coming to Brooklyn for a book signing of her new cookbook Classic German Baking. Luisa Weiss, who is also the creator of a wonderfully written food blog called The Wednesday Chef, went to the same High School as my sister and me, and after living in several places around the world, has settled back in her birthplace of Berlin. Born to an Italian mother and an American father, Luisa has shared her journey of multi-cultural upbringing in her memoir "My Berlin Kitchen - A Love Story", which I devoured last year. 

When I saw that she is coming out with a new book AND will be in this area to talk about it, I knew I had to buy the book, trek out to Brooklyn on a weeknight, and also give German baking a try.

Powerhouse Arena - DUMBO, NY - November 2, 2016

Luisa Weiss and Super-Excited-Me

Luisa spoke to a filled bookstore about the countless hours of baking, tasting, and re-baking that were put into creating Classic German Baking. The book offers over 100 recipes that range from breakfast rolls all the way to various types of traditional German Christmas cookies. Luisa also explained what baking means to Germans. It never really occurred to me, until Luisa pointed out how much baking is part of the German culture. I don't really remember ever eating dessert after a meal, but rather having "Kaffee und Kuchen" (coffee and cake) as a separate snack in the afternoon. This is a time when we sit together with friends and family to chat and relax. My mom pretty much always has some kind of baked goods ready to be served. If she doesn't, and she knows we will have guests, she has enough ingredients to whip up something yummy! And ESPECIALLY Christmas time! Baking cookies and sitting down with family every Sunday in December leading up to the 24th, is something that belongs to Christmas as much as a Christmas tree does.

With this book, Luisa accomplished bringing German baking to American households. All measurements are based on American ingredients and Luisa even provides links to stores where you can buy some of the more unique items such as "Quark" (European type of yogurt that is highly nutritious) and "Schattenmorellen" (pitted sour cherries in a glass). One of my favorite parts of the book is the German Pronunciation Guide for recipes and ingredients. 

So needless to say, I had to buy this fantastic book and try my luck...I first had to overcome an inner struggle since my baking experiences topped out at homemade cupcakes and brownies. I really prefer to cook, over the disaster that can happen if you don't measure ingredients EXACTLY according to the recipe!

After some careful consideration, I picked the "Kirschstreuselkuchen" because I love cherries and the dough didn't seem too difficult to make!

Hope the pictures entice you to get Luisa's new book Classic German Baking. The cake came out great...even better after sitting for a day! I suggest serving it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (recipe for home made whipped cream is in the book, as well)!

Enjoy!

Love, Lena

Kirschstreuselkuchen Pre-Baking

Kirschstreuselkuchen Post-Baking